Christchurch to Queenstown Road Trip: Our Favourite Stops

New Zealand’s spectacular South Island is best seen from the road. After all, it is not just the cities but all the little places in between that make it so special. That is why we included so much detail in this Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary.

For five consecutive years, we split our time living half of the year north of Auckland and the other half near the Queenstown-Lakes district. As we needed our vehicle in both locations, this meant driving up and down nearly the entire length of the country twice each year.

Each time we discovered something new and wonderful. New Zealand is a treasure trove of beauty, and as photographers, we seek it out. As a result, we have done a Christchurch to Queenstown road trip many times.

Below, we share our highlights. We have written it with options, highlighting the must-see spots and letting you know which sites are off the main road and by how far. Get ready for an adventure. No matter which option you choose, it will be unforgettable.

Our Christchurch to Queenstown road trip route

If you are in a hurry, you can drive the 482 km (300 miles) in just under six hours, but if that were your choice, you are probably not reading this page.

The South Island is a masterpiece of nature, and while there are plenty of photo stops, there are also some amazing places to spend time exploring.

Unfortunately, the hour or so of the drive through the Canterbury plains is a bit boring, and that’s where your journey begins. However, once you pass Geraldine it improves, and by the time you reach Fairlie, you will know you have found that New Zealand paradise.

Is it better to travel in the same direction as us, or to drive Queenstown to Christchurch?

Note that this trip can be taken in either direction. We find it cheaper to fly into Christchurch, so we generally start there, but on the return, we drive Queenstown to Christchurch. If roundtrip is your plan, you might want to save some of the activities for the return trip.

Getting to Christchurch

Christchurch is the start to this adventure. If you are not already there, you will need to get here either via a flight, train, or the roads.

• Fly
  The Christchurch International Airport has more flights than ever before. As a result, the city is often the port of entry into the country. It’s also a popular domestic flight destination. We check Expedia for the best flight deals
• Drive from the North Island and take the ferry
  If you are driving from the North Island, you will need to cross the Cook Strait from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island). We find the best prices on Direct Ferries for either ferry company here. After you cross, check out our Picton road trip guide to Christchurch.
• Train
  The other option is the Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton. This 5-hour 40-minute adventure is one of the ‘Great Journeys of New Zealand’. If you take the ferry from Wellington, you could enjoy this scenic train ride from Picton. Reserve your Coastal Pacific Train Journey from Picton to Christchurch here.

Car hire (rental) for your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip

Unless you are using your own vehicle, you will need to hire a car. We always rent from RentalCars. They offer a comprehensive list of multinational and local rental car agents, ratings on specific car types, and agency ratings. Importantly, they often have lower prices than going direct.

Whether you rent from them or not, it’s still the perfect place to begin your search. Compare options or reserve your car at RentalCars.com

Starting city: Christchurch

You’ll want to start by spending at least a few days in Christchurch if your schedule allows. If you are flying in, you could explore the city on foot and then rent your car on the last day to get to Orana Park or the Antarctic Centre before starting the road trip to Queenstown.

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. Built with British influence, the city reinvented itself as a modern metropolis after being devastated by two massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.

Suggested activities: We have detailed all our favourite things to do in Christchurch here, but the three that top our list are a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, punting on the Avon River (check for punting discounts here), and exploring Orana Wildlife Park (check for Orana Park discount tickets).

Akaroa

Off the main road (Adds 2 hrs 10 min to the total drive time)

Akaroa is a charming town steeped in French colonial history. It’s also the place to spot Hector’s Dolphin, an endangered species and the world’s smallest dolphin. Interestingly, it’s a town closely associated with Christchurch as it is home to the city’s cruise port. More on Akaroa here.

Mt Hutt in Methven

Off the main road (Bypassing Hwy 1, total additional drive time is 1 hour, 10 minutes)

If it’s winter, and you are a skier/snowboarder who wants more than the fields down in Queenstown, you could take on a day skiing at Mt. Hutt.

Geraldine

Along the main road

As we turn inland towards Geraldine, the landscape begins to change from pastoral to more lakes and hills. The town is aptly nicknamed the “gateway to the Southern Lakes”. Depending on what time we start, we often have lunch or a snack at one of the local cafes.

Suggested activity: Stretch your legs at Peel Forest, choosing amongst several hiking trails, including two leading to waterfalls.

Fairlie

Along the main road

As we pass through Fairlie, we enter Mackenzie Country. The colourful landscape is suddenly surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the distance. Another hour of driving will bring us to Lake Tekapo.

Tekapo

Along the main road

You will want to stop at Lake Tekapo. Here, nature’s colour palette paints purple and pink lupins (summer) lining a vivid turquoise lake whose colour seems amplified by the snowcapped Southern Alps. At a minimum, this is a photo stop of both the lake and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd.

What you may not already know is that Lake Tekapo is a part of the world’s largest dark sky reserve. Therefore, we recommend spending the night and checking out the stars.

Whether we drive Queenstown to Christchurch, or the direction of this itinerary, we always make a point to stop in Tekapo.

Suggested activities: Book in advance so you don’t miss out on the Summit Experience, a nearly two-hour stargazing tour from Mt John Observatory. Reserve your Summit Experience here. Or, enjoy stargazing from a hot tub. Check for discounts at Tekapo Springs

Aoraki/Mt Cook

Off the main road (Adds 1 hour of total drive time – 30 minutes each way)

The 30-minute drive is overwhelmingly beautiful. Initially, you will drive alongside the deep blue Lake Pukaki; then suddenly, you are heading towards incredible views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain (see photo at top of page).

The Mount Cook National Park is part of Te Wāhipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you only have time to add one side trip to your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary, this is it.

If you have an extra day, spend it here hiking and exploring. From short loops to mountaineering, the rangers in the Mount Cook Visitor’s Centre will help you find the perfect choice, or check out this adventure.

Suggested activities: Depending on your energy level, our top recommendations are to either walk the 3-hour Hooker Valley Track, or take a scenic helicopter flight over the mountain and the Tasman Glacier. Reserve your scenic flight here.

Twizel

Along the main road

Just beyond the turn-off to Mt Cook is Twizel, the largest town in the MacKenzie district. Often an overnight or stock-up stop for those planning longer expeditions in Mt. Cook, we have made photo stops just beyond the town centre to admire Lake Ruataniwha, an artificial lake created as a result of the Upper Waitaki Hydroelectric project in the late 1970s.

We also found the floating salmon farm to be interesting.

Suggested activities: photo stop.

Omarama

Along the main road

This little town is famous in New Zealand for three things. First, it is considered the gliding capital of the country. Secondly, it is home to the Clay Cliffs, and finally, there are delightful hot pools here.

Melting glacial ice created the Clay Cliffs nearly two million years ago. Although well signposted, note that the final 20 minutes of the road is unpaved.

Suggested activities: Walk through the Clay Cliffs. Entry is by donation in an honesty box. And then enjoy a soak at Omarama hot tub, one of the most unique hot springs in New Zealand.

Lindis Pass

Along the main road

If you haven’t decided on the final arrival route to end your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary yet, now is the time. After crossing the mountain summit at Lindis Pass and heading down the other side, you will either need to continue along the same road towards Cromwell or take the alternate route through Wanaka. You can’t do both.

• When to choose the Cromwell route
  If you are in a hurry to get to Queenstown, if there is snow in the forecast, or if you prefer to visit a winery.
• When to choose going via Wanaka
  If the weather is clear and if you are comfortable on steep, windy mountain roads (Crown Range). Also, choose Wanaka if you have more time, are looking for more hikes, or have an extra day or two to spend there.

Drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Cromwell

If you are headed to Wanaka, skip this section.

Cromwell

Along the main road

A former gold mining town, today, Cromwell is better known for its stone fruit farms. Cromwell does have a historic section with a small museum. There are also several restaurants and cafes. It’s more of a residential town than a tourist one. When our daughter was younger, she frequently played soccer in Cromwell.

Suggested activities: take a photo of the giant fruit sculpture, or if you have never done it before, try a gold mining experience.

Gibbston Valley

Along the main road

Another of the wine-growing regions, you will pass through Gibbston as you near Queenstown. Wine connoisseurs may want to stop for a tasting and tour at the Gibbston Valley Winery.

Suggested activities: Enjoy a wine tasting.

Kawarau Bridge

Along the main road

This is not just any bridge, it’s home to the world’s first commercial bungy jump, and if you are an adrenaline junkie, you can have a go.

Suggested activities: Take the plunge! Reserve your Kawarau bridge bungy jump

Drive from Christchurch to Queenstown via Wanaka

If you are travelling via Cromwell, skip this section.

To get to Wanaka, you will turn off State Hwy 8 onto 8A just after Taras (which is about 45km (30 minutes) after you cross the Lindis Pass.

Wanaka

Along the alternative road “via Wanaka” route

As my former home, Wanaka will always hold a special place in my heart. In fact, we love it so much that we have written a separate “things to do in Wanaka New Zealand” page that includes mostly free or discounted activities.

Crown Range

Along the alternative road “via Wanaka” route

If it’s winter, be sure to check the road conditions, as snow chains are often required to pass the summit. Also, there are road closures on the more extreme weather days. If it’s questionable, we recommend you choose the Cromwell option.

Before you hit the summit, you will pass the turn-off to Cardrona Ski Field, our favourite of the New Zealand ski fields. If you are snowboarding or skiing here, you will want to add days to your South Island itinerary.

The Cardrona Hotel, an icon of the region, is the next stop and a great place for a meal or at least an afternoon in their legendary beer garden.

Queenstown

Queenstown has earned its reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and possibly the world. With a rustic alpine atmosphere, Queenstown is a picturesque city situated alongside Lake Wakatipu. 

The city offers it all, from relaxing to an extreme adrenaline adventure. It’s home to hiking, watersports, winter skiing, world-class golf courses, and a vibrant nightlife.

Queenstown is also the jumping-off point for visiting Milford Sound. Here are the many ways to get there.

Suggested Activities: They are all here: things to do in Queenstown in the winter OR things to do in the summer.

Extra things to bring on your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip

Normally, our free New Zealand packing list is more than sufficient, but for this road trip, there are a few things we want to emphasize.

• Carry a towel and swim clothes with you in your car.
• If you are headed to Mt Cook, pick up a picnic lunch in Tekapo.
• Bring a windproof jacket, even in the summer.
• Download our map and driving directions, as the internet will be spotty in some areas.
• If you drive Queenstown to Christchurch or the other way during winter, be sure to carry chains.

Other options for travel from Christchurch to Queenstown

• Take a tour: If you don’t want to do the driving, but do want to see a lot of these sites, check out this Christchurch to Queenstown Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.
• Private tour: While we haven’t taken private tours in New Zealand (as we live in the country), we have taken them all around the world. We have found some great guides here.
• Flights: Christchurch to Queenstown flights are available from Air New Zealand or Jet Star, but you will miss all the fascinating sites above. However, if this is your preferred travel, check Expedia for the best prices.
• Bus: Intercity Bus travels between the two cities daily.

Continue your South Island discovery

Driving the length of the country year after year gives us ample opportunity to fully explore the South Island. Here are a few more itineraries.

• Complete the loop and drive up the West Coast: Queenstown to Nelson (West Coast)
• Alternate route from Christchurch: Dunedin to Christchurch
• The Southern Coast: Discover the Catlins
• Or check out all our New Zealand itineraries: New Zealand Road Trips: Itineraries for North or South Island Adventures

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Where will you stop on your Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary?